Current Pediatric Research

- Current Pediatric Research (2010) Volume 14, Issue 1

Possible role of oxidative stress in malnourished children

The present study was undertaken to uncover the possible role of oxidative stress in PEM children. Based on signs and symptoms. Forty five malnourished children around the age group of 1-5 years were divided into 3 groups, – viz Marasmus, Marasmic- Kwashiorkor and Kwashiorkor. Thirty children from same age group were taken as control. Study revealed highly significant increased Levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Nitric oxide(NO?) and Erythrocytic glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase (RBC-G6PD) activity [p<0.001], where as the levels of vitamin E, Total serum protein , and serum Albumin were significantly decreased in malnourished children as compared with healthy controls. From the present observations, it is evident that, scarcity of principal nutrients, which are part of antioxidant defense were decreased, resulting in oxidative stress.